We are Turning 97

Date: August 13, 2013
Contact: Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060
Contact: Adam Duncan, 215-597-0060

Independence National Historical Park Celebrates 97^th Birthday of the National Park Service

Philadelphia – Independence National Historical Park will celebrate the 97th birthday of the National Park Service with a focus on one of our favorite founders, Benjamin Franklin! The Benjamin Franklin Museum will open for Museum Preview days on August 24. In celebration of Founders Day, the museum will be free on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. Activities in Franklin Court will celebrate Franklin's legacy and the birthday of the National Park Service. Read about the full list of activities at https://www.nps.gov/inde/special-programs.htm.

"Birthdays are a time to celebrate and we want everyone to join the party," said Independence National Historical Park Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod. "So this year we're making Founders Day even more special by offering early access to the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Franklin Court."

With the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, The United States was the first country to set aside its most significant places as national parks so that they could be enjoyed by all. When President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation that created the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916, there were 37 national parks.

Today, we care for 401 national parks throughout the country – each one an important part of our collective identity. Some parks commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn something. Plan your visit at www.nps.gov/findapark.

 "Independence National Historical Park was established in 1948 to preserve buildings and resources associated with the growth and founding of the United States" said MacLeod."Today we proudly welcome almost 4 million visitors every year who, in addition to enjoying all that the park has to offer, add $147,774,000 to our local economy and support 2,155 jobs in the area." 

The mission of the National Park Service extends beyond parks into communities across the country, where we work with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. To see what we do here in Pennsylvania, go to www.nps.gov/PA .

www.nps.gov/inde

A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park was created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948.Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia's Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. The park is open from 9:00 am daily with the exception of Christmas day.A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6^th and Market Streets.Here, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and the free, timed tickets required for Independence Hall.For more information visit the park's website, https://www.nps.gov/indeor follow us at twitter.com/independencenhp.